By ADAM IHUCHA
In a move that promises better days for rural folks,
Tanzania plans a massive investment in rural electrification, in her efforts to
attain the Millenium Development Goals.
The state says it would spend Tshs 880 billion or a $550
million over the next two years to
boost power supply in rural areas, as the clock ticks towards the
2015 deadline for MDGs.
Energy and Mineral Resources Deputy Minister, Mr Stephen
Masele says the state eyes to improve access to electricity for rural areas,
from the current level of seven to 30 percent by 2015.
"Millions of rural folks now have a reason to smile as
we are going to light their rural homes, for the first time since independence”
Mr. Masele said.
To be executed by the state-run- Rural Energy Agency (REA),
the ambitious plan ever, would see 13 districts and 1,600 villages have access
to electricity.
The targeted districts comprise Buhigwe, Busega, Chemba,
Itilima, Kakonko, Kalambo, Kyerwa, Mkalama, Mlele, Momba, Nanyumbu, Nyasa, and
Uvinza.
REA blueprint shows that it would also harness the power potential of the six minor
waterfalls by building mini- hydro plants.
The waterfalls include Darakuta in Babati, Lingatunda in Songea rural, Luswisi in
Ileje, Macheke in Ludewa, Mwoga in Kasulu, and Nole-Ihalula in Njombe
districts.
When complete, the six mini-hydro
plants could have a capacity of generating 9.1MW combined, which will cater for 27,600 nearby rural folks.
According to Mr Masele, the package would also subsidize
power connections to power-hungry-villagers for them to afford.
For instance, single-phase connection for rural folks, whose
homes are less than 30 metres from the power grid where poles will not be
needed -- will cough Tshs 177,000 or $110.625, down from the previous
Tshs 455,108 or $284.443.
This, the state hopes would enable more rural dwellers to
install power in their households to enjoy the benefits of electrification.
A resident of Loliondo remote area in Arusha, Mr Kidon Mkuu
commended the state for lowering power connection costs, but warning that the
current status where majority villagers live in grass houses could thwart the
initiative.
“The plan is commendable, but with the current situation
where majority of people in rural areas live in grass or mud houses, the whole
idea of supplying power could turn into a white elephant project” Mr Mkuu
noted.
Tanzania’s rural energy strategy, however, eyes all modern
energy such as electricity, biomass technology and other alternative sources,
to be harnessed to promote rural productive uses such as job creation,
stimulation of investment and revenue earnings.
The blueprint also highlights access to modern energy must
be availed to key rural services, particularly in the health, education,
security and water sectors.
In Tanzanian context, rural electrification involves
electrification of the district headquarters, townships, villages, and
commercial centers.
The government view rural electrification as a key input in
enhancement of growth and economic development of the country.
To a large extent, the current level of rural
electrification in Tanzania is an outcome of the policies adopted by colonial
and early post independence regimes rather than the modern day policy, which
encompass public private partnership.
According to current National Energy Policy of Tanzania, the
goal of the rural electrification is widespread improvement of standard of
living of the rural population thus attaining balanced socio-economic growth
for all Tanzanians.
Underpinning the policy objective is the issue of poverty
alleviation, social development, and environmental conservation objectives.
Small-scale industries, agricultural-processing industries,
and other income generating activities are given primary importance in planning
rural programs.
In order to accelerate social development in rural areas,
schools, education institutions, heath facilities water supply, communication
and community centers are targets of rural electrification projects.
In addition, rural electrification has an objective of
conservation of environment to avoid deforestation, climate change, air
pollution -- indoor and outdoor -- and land degradation.
Agro-industries that are located mostly in rural areas have
an important role in the development of surrounding rural communities.
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